Canada's immigration authority, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has published an eight-step guide for foreign nationals who wish to apply for a work permit upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry, rather than securing it before travel. The guidance clarifies that while applicants are generally advised to obtain their work permit before departing for Canada, certain individuals may be eligible to apply at the border.
Pre-Travel Preparations: Steps One to Four
The first three steps focus on preparations that must be completed before a traveller even boards a flight. Applicants must first confirm that they qualify to apply at a port of entry. Those who require a medical examination must arrange one in advance and carry valid proof that they passed it, with medical results still within their validity period at the time of arrival.
Biometrics also need to be considered during the planning stage. Not every port of entry is equipped to collect biometric data, so applicants who need to provide fingerprints and a photograph must identify and travel to a compatible location before making the journey. The fourth step is straightforward: travel to Canada with all required documents.
What Happens at Canada's Port of Entry
Upon reaching the port of entry, the traveller must inform the border officer that they intend to apply for a work permit. The officer will then review the applicant's passport or travel document, assess their eligibility and admissibility, and verify any medical certificate where applicable. For those applying alongside family members, the primary applicant's file is processed first. If approved, each accompanying family member's application is then assessed separately.
Biometrics, where required, are collected at this stage during the meeting with the border officer. Fees are paid before the permit is issued. All applicants pay a work permit processing fee of $155. Those applying for an open work permit pay an additional $100. Biometrics attract a separate charge of $85 per individual or up to $170 for a family, depending on eligibility.
Final Steps and Issuance
Once the officer confirms that the applicant is both admissible to Canada and eligible for the specific work permit requested, the permit is issued on the spot. Applicants are advised to review the document carefully and raise any questions or corrections with the officer before leaving the port of entry.
In related news, Legit.ng previously reported that Australia's Department of Home Affairs outlined the residence requirement foreigners must meet before applying for citizenship. Applicants must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for a number of years before the date they apply, with specific rules on time spent outside Australia during that period.
